Everton manager Frank Lampard has praised the qualities of Amadou Onana as the midfielder nears being confirmed as the club's latest signing.
The 20-year-old was at Goodison Park and witnessed his prospective new side be beaten 1-0 by Chelsea thanks to a Jorginho penalty late in the first half. The Lille star stopped to take many pictures with Evertonians as he made his way inside both at half time and after the final whistle.
At the time of writing the deal has not yet been announced by the Blues, but it is widely expected that he will become the club's fourth transfer of the summer following James Tarkowski, Ruben Vinagre and Dwight McNeil. And Lampard was already gushing over the midfielder's qualities, although he urged a little patience in the near future.
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He told his post-match press conference: "We're nearly there with it, that's why he's here obviously. He's a fantastically talented young player, he's got great attributes.
"I'm not sure how much people here in this country will have seen him but we've watched and followed him for a long time. We've worked very hard to bring him to the club and I think he's going to be a really big player for us.
"Physicality, quality on the ball, energy, defensive attributes - he's an all-round midfielder. So I don't want to put too much on his shoulders at this point, but we're delighted to get him.
"We obviously have to remember, if we get this done, to be patient. He's a young player.
"That's the profile of player I think you want to bring in because they're exciting for everybody in the building and everybody that supporters Everton. So we're pleased to get him."
An upcoming announcement for Onana could see him included in the Everton squad potentially as early as their next game against Aston Villa next weekend.
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